Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1887-03-19
THE SHAFTS PHYSICIAN.

Having thus done something toward liking
the time and place Of my story, I will further
remark that the particular shah of Persia
with whom this veracious history has to do,
was widower with an only son, prince of
elegant manners who had passed his 10Th
birthday This worthy shah also rejoiced in
the possession of grand vizir, an arrogant
and ambitious person, and a physician who
may not inaccurately be described as a very
sly fellow.
physician, and it was impossible for the latter
to look his superior in the face without laugh
ing
The physician was the husband of a charm
ing woman; indeed the most charming of the
entire court, and, it was asserted, the most
coquettish Needless to add that the physi-
clan spent many unhappy hours in conse-
quence, and the "green eyed monster had
taken possession of him wholly.
At the period at which this narrative begins
court circles had become considerably agitated
by two events of a strikingly different char
acter; the marriage of the grand vizir and
the illness of the shahs son.
The grand vizir was on the point Of mar
full woman Of his own country to assist in
hiding from his gaze the frightening shadows
on the down hill of life. But although he
was 40 the bride in prospect was only II.
As to the young prince, he had been sick for
two months, very sick. Pale, thin, nerveIess,
silent, it made one feel bad only to look at
him. He had no appetite and could get no
sleep It was narrowing.
The curious part of the case was, that in
tho presence of this strange disease medical
skill seemed to be altogether at fault. In vain
had the physician made the young man hold
out his tongue, felt his pulse, and had even
resorted to auscultation. but was ausculta
ton practiced in 150O2 However. l said |
wasn't sure about the date) No lesion of any
of the organs could be discovered The
heart, the liver, the lungs were all in excel
lent order
And still the prince wasted away from day
to day before their eyes.
His good father for there are good men
even among the shahs) was racked by
anxiety. He called the physician before him.
doctor" he said, 'you took the usual de
grees at Teheran; you are considered skiIlful
in your profession; you are in command OF
all your faculties; it can't be possible that you
are ignorant of the disease that has attacked
my son. Perhaps you are keeping it from me
through fear of frightening me; but I must
know the truth, and command you to reveal
it to me. Speak! am listening
"Great SHAH" replied the physician, Il am
glad that shall be able to satisfy you / dc
know your sons disease"
"Oh, you do! And it IS
"Love,"
doctor, are you jestingr
u was never more serious in nv life. great
shah The youth has lost his appetite, his
sleep, his spirits, because he's in love; and
he will recover neither appetite, sleep nor
spirits until he is married to the woman he
loves"
"And who is the woman he lovess'
"Ah that can't tell your highness. am
entirely ignorant of her name, as the young
man has never made me his confidant."
"Well, l shall question him myself
II doubt whether he will part with his
secret"
"But il he won't tell me" said the shah, in
great perplexity, show can l marry him tc
the woman of his choice. and il I don't marry
him to the W oman Of his choice what will be
come of my sonf'
HE will slowly fade away aud die"
you make me shudder."
"Let your highness be comforted. Phy.
sicians have ways of discovering what they
wish to discover, even when patients are
obstinate. Before evening shall be able tc
inform you that am acquainted with the
~. e.;
erful spell over the unhappy boy"
"And how will you set about doing it,"
Nothing could be easier. This is your
grand vizir's wedding day, and there will
consequently be splendid reception this
evening in the palace. All the ladies of the
court, without exception, will be present
All ask of you is to make them pass one by
one before your son. will stand by his side
and, apparently by accident, will take his
hand in mine and hold it in such way as to
keep my finger lightly on his pulse. Be sure
great shah, that when the loved one passes
before him I shall be warned of the fact by
an increase in the pulsations."
"Your plan is admirable, and when the ex
pertinent is ended you must come and tell Inc
the maiden's name"
"Your highness may rely upon me-"
"And you are quite sure the possession OF
the girl will save my sons life3'
Il will risk my own on it."
Everything went off according to pro
gramme. The great reception hall of the
palace was crowded with people. The entire
court was present; there was not a single alb.
sentee. The physicians charming wife made
nc ,,s,ol n Ioo,JaJ eapeof,n, Ebo a,.o,,
eclipsed the beautiful girl the grand vizir had
that day married.
The shah, seated on his throne, lad on his
right the young prince, pale and melancholy.
The physician stood next to the prince and
held in his one of his patients hands,
The shah announced to his court that he
was about to do those present the unspeak-
able homer of allowing each one to kiss his
hand. The announcement of this act of SOW
ereign condescension was received with indie
scribable enthusiasm.
The march past began, the ladies coming
first, the men following.
OF course, it will be understood that in de
filing before tlle.shah the company was com.
PEELED to pass before The prince, as the latter
was seated ct his fathers side
When the ceremony was over the shah re-
tired to his private apartments, and at once
summoned the physician.
The latter came, but with downcast coun-
tenance and unsteady gait
The shah, not noticing the change in his
appearance, exclaimed;
"Well, doctor?"
"Well, your highness, the experiment was a
success"
Capital Then you know the name of the
woman that has kindled in my sons bosom
this overpowering passiong'
a do, indeed" sadly replied the physician
heaving a deep sigh.
"And why do you tell me this in such dis
consulate toner asked the shah in surprise.
Because have no reason to be supremely
happy" replied the unfortunate man of sci
ence, signing still more deeply, and adding il
a voice trembling with emotion:
@Great shah, the woman that has set tht
heart of your son in flame is-is-oh, YOU
Highnessi is no other than-than-my wifeP
"Your wifew
"Alasl yes"
GBy the trunk of my white elephantp lBu1
stopl do shahs of Persia indulge in white ele
phantsD cried the shah, gaily. she is acharm